Anatolian Rugs

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Istanbul – Arrival

  Arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Meet and greet. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the is at leisure. Evening welcome cocktail and an introduction talk on rugs, dies and weaving. Dinner at a nice local Restaurant. Overnight at your hotel.

  • Meals & Drinks Dinner
• Day 2 : Istanbul

  In the morning visit the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum, formerly known as Ibrahim Pasha Palace. The exhibition on the old Turkish rugs will be a fine introduction of natural dies to our eyes. The ethnographic section will give us an idea about the nomadic life and weaving in Asia Minor. Proceed to the Blue Mosque and St. Sophie and finally the Topkapı Palace, the residence and office of the Otto- man royalty. We will have an idea about the textile and the weaving used by the royalty, for some; conspicuous consumption. Lunch will be served at a nice local restaurant. Late afternoon, proceed to Nakkaş; a known authority in the rug world. In the basement of their buildings, which is an old Byzantine cistern, we will have a talk and slide show on weaving from Caucasus to Anatolia.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch
• Day 3 : Istanbul – Izmir – Manisa

  Transfer to domestic airport for a morning flight to Izmir. Then drive North from Izmir to Yundag mountains. Visit Orselli village, the pioneer village of Dobag Project on natural dyes and traditional weaving. In the after- noon visit Sungunlu Village on the same mountains and our host will be one of the old natural dye masters who has a small workshop in his village house, where the rest of his family members are weavers. Drive to Manisa and overnight at the Hotel.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch
• Day 4 : Manisa – Pamukkale ( Denizli)

  In the morning drive to Odemis and proceed to a small town 6 km.away; Birgi. The capitol of a small Seljuk Kingdom, one of the leading towns of the start of the textile industry, in the home looms. Visit looms, an old Ottoman house and the small historical mosque. Proceed to Buldan. Visit the antique city of Sardes en route. (Visit the Apollon temple and the ancient synagogue of Sardes). Visit looms and shops selling material from hand looms in Buldan. Talk to the weavers. After a short visit of the antique town of Hierapolis dinner and overnight at Pamukkale. Enjoy the spa of the hotel in the evening.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 5 : Pamukkale – Konya

  Drive to Konya via Egirdir Lake. Upon arrival to Konya, the ancient capitol of Anatolian Seljuk Empire and the home of Mevlana Rumi and the whirling dervishes, visit the Museum of Mevlana, which is a small but major places to have an idea about Anatolia’s mystical culture. Visit the Karatay Museum exhibiting some Seljuk and Ottoman tiles. Check in to Hotel. Meet Mr. Mehmet Girgic , a dye and felt master of Konya.
• Day 6 : Konya

  Spend the morning in the atelier of Mr. Girgic, preparing dyes for rug wool, and a small performance of felt making. Lunch at the atelier or a local restaurant. ( Konya kebap and etli ekmek ; specialities of Konya) In the afternoon drive to Catalhoyuk. A neolithic village from 6th millenium BC. In the evening possibilities of seeing a sema ritual of whirling dervishes. Overnight.

  • Meals & Drinks Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 7 : Konya – Istanbul

  Take a morning flight from Konya to Istanbul. Visit Hagia Sophie which was the biggest church of the World when built, and still one of the treasures of our century, a World Heritage. Visit Grand Bazaar. Spear time to visit the collections of Nakkas and other rug authorities. Farewell dinner at a well known local restaurant. Overnight.
• Day 8 : Departure Day

  Departure day Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• Yildiz Posta Caddesi Ayyildiz Sitesi B Blok No:26 Kat:1 Daire:39 Gayrettepe, Istanbul, Turkey - 34394
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• XXXXXXXXXX@apricottours.com View Mail ID

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